Sotto Mare
Order:
Stamp available
0.00 stamped
Best Cioppino
in San Francisco
Cioppino is San Francisco’s signature seafood dish, an Italian-American stew developed by the city’s Genovese fishermen in the late 1800s. It is a hearty, tomato-based soup packed with a bounty of local seafood, including Dungeness crab, clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and fish. The defining characteristic is the **'Broth'**—it should be a rich, savory, and aromatic mixture of tomatoes, wine, herbs, and the juices of the cooked seafood. It is traditionally served with toasted sourdough bread for dipping. The trap is a "thin" or overly acidic broth that lacks the depth of flavor from slow-simmered seafood shells. Expect to pay $35–65 per pot (often shareable).
Cioppino · say “Cioppino” ·
How this ranking works
Guide score ✕ verified reader stamps ✕ critic notes ✕ Google Maps signal. External reviews are linked, never copied.
What to order
·
Why locals care
Cioppino is San Francisco’s signature seafood dish, an Italian-American stew developed by the city’s Genovese fishermen in the late 1800s. It is a hearty, tomato-based soup packed with a bounty of local seafood, including Dungeness crab, clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and fish. The defining characteristic is the **'Broth'**—it should be a rich, savory, and aromatic mixture of tomatoes, wine, herbs, and the juices of the cooked seafood. It is traditionally served with toasted sourdough bread for dipping. The trap is a "thin" or overly acidic broth that lacks the depth of flavor from slow-simmered seafood shells. Expect to pay $35–65 per pot (often shareable).
Ranked Cioppino stops in San Francisco
Anchor Oyster Bar
Order:
0.00 stamped
Queue:
Go: 16:30 (Tiny spot; lines form before opening).
Price: $$$
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Scoma’s Restaurant
Order:
0.00 stamped
Tadich Grill
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: A second mention for their classic cracked crab, served in a historic, formal atmosphere. — Financial District
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Fog Harbor Fish House
Order:
0.00 stamped
Woodhouse Fish Co.
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: Their Dungeness crab rolls are a popular and more portable way to enjoy the local seasonal king. — various locations
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Betty Lou’s Seafood and Grill
Order:
0.00 stamped
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
Order:
0.00 stamped
Alioto's #8
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: A historic family-run spot that has been serving fresh Dungeness crab since 1925; look for their outdoor crab stand. — Fisherman's Wharf
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Swan Oyster Depot
Order:
0.00 stamped
Mission Rock Resort
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: A great waterfront spot for fresh Dungeness crab and oysters with a more local, neighborhood vibe. — Dogpatch
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Ferry Plaza Seafood
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: A reliable choice for fresh-off-the-boat Dungeness crab in a casual, high-quality setting. — various locations
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: While famous for oysters, their seasonal Dungeness crab preparations are consistently excellent and fresh. — Ferry Building
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Pacific Cafe
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: A beloved neighborhood spot where you can enjoy fresh Dungeness crab while waiting with a free glass of wine. — Richmond District
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Waterbar
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: Known for its incredible views and its commitment to sustainably sourced local Dungeness crab. — Embarcadero
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Old Clam House
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: The oldest seafood restaurant in San Francisco, serving traditional cracked Dungeness crab since 1861. — Bayview
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Scoma’s
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: A second mention for their "Lazy Man’s Crab"—the ultimate way to enjoy Dungeness without the work. — Fisherman's Wharf
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
The Franciscan Crab Restaurant
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: Known for its panoramic bay views and a very solid, traditional Italian-American cioppino. — Fisherman's Wharf
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Pier 23 Cafe Beer Garden
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: A fun, casual spot on the water that serves a very respectable and flavorful cioppino. — Embarcadero
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Fisherman's Grotto #9
Order:
0.00 stamped
Verdict: One of the first restaurants on the wharf, offering a very traditional and nostalgic cioppino experience. — Fisherman's Wharf
Queue:
Go:
Price:
Dietary:
Stamp availableGoogle Maps
Decide at a glance
Worth a meal slot?
Top score
0.0 / 10
Verified venues
20 stops
Per meal
Heads up
None known
Smaller context
Food near POIs
POI context is being curated for this dish.
Challenges live in the app
Collect the dish stamp, submit proof, and earn XP from the mobile app after you choose a stop.
Have a dietary preference? We will surface relevant reports first.
Be the first to post a queue update or order tip in f/cioppino.
Is the queue moving fast right now?